FREE school meals must stay on the menu until Easter, Newton Abbot MP, Anne Marie Morris has said.

In defiance of the Conservative party line, Anne is backing a motion by the Labour party to extend free school meals, a move that is aiming to force the government to do a U-turn on the current policy.

The decision not to extend free meals for schoolchildren has seen a rift form in the Conservative party, with pressure growing on the Government to change course.

A number of businesses have come forward to offer free meals to children in pubs, cafes and restaurants nationwide in response.

Taking to social media, the Newton Abbot MP said: ‘The ongoing pandemic has had a heavy impact on many across Teignbridge, bringing with it significant economic difficulties for many. This is why I am supporting the motion calling for the continuation of direct funding for free school meals over school holidays until Easter 2021.’

She added: ‘This time-limited measure is a perfectly sensible response as we deal with the economic consequences of Covid-19. Longer-term I believe it is right that those eligible should be supported through the Holidays & Activities Food Programme and the Universal Credit system.’Do you know of any eateries in Teignbridge offering free meals to schoolchildren? Please get in touch on: 01626 353555Full story in this week's paper.